ALL POSTS IN [Airports]

Whether or not you know it, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is keeping a very close eye on you. According to TheIntercept.com, the TSA has followed a secret program since 2007 to detect potential terrorists at airports through behavioral cues in passengers.

The northeastern US is preparing for a major winter storm that is expected to drop up to 3 feet of snow and bring near-hurricane-force winds. According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions are expected to affect more than 40 million people, including those in big cities such as NYC and Boston, where all forms of travel have been banned.READ MORE

The biggest travel day of the year just got a bit more stressful, thanks to the winter nor’easter in the forecast. It’s inevitable that the day before Thanksgiving will include record-long lines at the airport and headache-inducing traffic — and now, add likely hazardous roads and delayed flights.

Take a deep breath and keep these tips in mind to avoid a holiday travel meltdown.

Take advantage of an airline weather waiver.
With winter weather in the forecast for Wednesday, big airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and United are waiving change fees and relaxing their rebooking rules, even allowing fare differences to be waived. Look carefully at the rules; most include the note that rescheduled travel has to start by Friday.

Windowless planes may very well be the future of air travel. The aerodynamic and sleek engineering of these new planes will cut fuel costs significantly. The great thing about lower fuel costs? Lower ticket prices, which is a definite plus for regular travelers.

Airline tickets can be ridiculously expensive. But plan your trip right this time, and you can save big. These nuggets of travel wisdom are the best-kept secrets on airfare deals. Keep them close at hand when planning your next big adventure.

It’s never too early to start saving for next year’s vacation — particularly when you’re planning a $119,000 ultra-luxe splurge on board the brand-spanking-new Four Seasons Jet.

Indeed, the high-end hotel and resort company has decided the sky is quite literally the limit, unveiling the travel industry’s first fully-branded private jet experience on Wednesday.

Debuting in February 2015, the jet — a completely retrofitted Boeing 757 — will be emblazoned with “Four Seasons” on the fuselage, and have the company’s logo displayed on its tail. The redesigned plane will take 52 guests on bespoke tours around the globe and will include an in-flight staff, as well as a dedicated on-board concierge happy to book spa treatments or golf dates at pending destinations.READ MORE

We’ve all done it before… Just moments before the plane takes off, we watch the airline attendants go through their routine of demonstrating the proper procedures in case of an emergency. So, where is your floatation device stored? Should you or your child receive an oxygen mask first? And where are the emergency exits near you?

Well, if you don’t know the answers to those questions, you are probably one of several people who “zone out” by thumbing through the latest SkyMall magazine or you’re one of those passengers who has to focus on wrapping up that last-minute text before the plane takes off.READ MORE

In the midst of one of the busiest travel times of the year, fliers want to spend as little time in the airport as possible. And who can blame them? Some long lines and security hassles simply can’t be avoided. However, we can think of worse things than spending an extra hour or two at these architecturally-stunning airports. From glowing skylights to theatrical design, the world’s most beautiful airports might ease the pain of flying during the holidays — or any time of the year for that matter.

Changi, Terminal 3
The “butterfly” roof is just one of many reasons why Terminal 3 in Changi, Singapore, is worth seeing. During the day, 919 skylights adjust to let in just the perfect amount of sunlight, and at night the ceiling glows with lighting carefully concealed below the panels.

Anyone who’s flown has been there — that moment when you’re passing through the TSA security checkpoint, and have to take off your shoes, empty your pockets, take off your belt and place your laptop in a bin. And you can double the fun if you have little kids in tow. Now TSA’s PreCheck program aims to make travel easier for those flying the increasingly complicated skies. But just in case you think PreCheck is a one-size-fits-all panacea, not so fast.

You can’t just sign up for PreCheck. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple … yet. TSA plans to — eventually — allow all travelers to apply directly to the PreCheck program, but it’s not clear when they’ll open up the application process. For now, travelers can enroll in the program in one of 2 ways: be selected to apply for the program based on your frequent-flyer status with an airline, or, enroll in one of several US Customs and Border Protection trusted traveler programs.

For Airline Frequent Flyers

Elite members of airlines’ frequent traveler programs — United, American, etc – if selected, can apply for PreCheck. If not selected, frequent flyers can still participate by joining a CBP Trusted Traveler program. Note that you must submit your biometric fingerprint for registration with the FBI, as well as undergo a criminal background check and pay an $85 fee to the TSA for a 5-year PreCheck membership. This program is slated to bring a total of $225 million to the TSA in 2013, and beyond that, over the next year, a reduction in passenger screening – the TSA’s goal is to see 25% of passengers see lighter scrutiny.

This year — for the first time in 95 years — Thanksgiving and Hanukkah will be celebrated on the same day … and it wont happen again until 2070.

As if navigating the airport around Thanksgiving wasn’t enough of a nightmare … this year Hanukkah falls into the mix, adding to the travel headache. But fret not; we’ve got you covered with our best tips to help you fly through the airport this holiday season. And if you’re looking for a way to avoid a Thanksgiving-float-sized meltdown, don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Survival Tips for Holiday Travel.

So whether you’re sitting around the table with your family enjoying turkey and cranberry sauce, or standing around the menorah lighting the Hanukkah candles, remember that there is plenty to be thankful for this holiday season … and that you’ll have to wait another 57 years until the next Thanksgivukkah!